In the early hours of Day 2 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), the Test match between Pakistan and Australia unfolded with breathtaking speed. Pakistan efficiently claimed the remaining seven Australian wickets, adding 131 runs to their overnight score of 187/3. Despite the improved batting conditions with the sun shining bright, Pakistan’s quick bowlers showcased exceptional fielding, taking all their catches to bring an end to Australia’s innings.
Right from the first over of the day, caution seemed to be thrown to the wind. Marnus Labuschagne, who had defiantly anchored Australia on Day 1, set the tone by driving through extra cover to score the initial runs. Shaheen Afridi’s line faltered, resulting in four byes down the fine leg fence on the next ball. Hasan Ali’s delivery gifted width to Travis Head, who capitalized with two fours, swiftly propelling Australia past the 200-run mark. However, Afridi had the last laugh, dismissing the free-spirited Head with a delivery that swung away, inducing a crucial edge, skillfully caught by Agha Salman at second slip.
Mitchell Marsh, the next batsman, weathered two DRS decisions and then launched into the Pakistani attack in a brisk cameo. Displaying strength against Agha Salman’s spin, Marsh confidently charged down the pitch, sending the ball sailing for a straight six. Salman adjusted his length, but Marsh stayed put, punching a four through covers. The flow of runs was interrupted by a precise delivery from Aamer Jamal, shaping away slightly and finding Labuschagne’s outside edge, taken comfortably by Abdullah Shafique at first slip.
Despite the brief break, Marsh continued to dominate, seemingly unfazed by the match situation. Alex Carey, in and out quickly, fell to Afridi’s swing after the new ball was taken. Carey’s inside edge found Mohammad Rizwan, who executed a stunning one-handed catch, sending the Australian wicketkeeper-batsman back to the pavilion.
While Marsh soldiered on, batters came and went, with Mitchell Starc hitting two fours off Mir Hamza before succumbing in the same over, leaving Australia at seven down. Pakistan’s pacers targeted Pat Cummins with short and nasty deliveries, hitting him on a couple of occasions, but the Australian captain weathered the storm. However, a deceptive delivery eventually lured Cummins into a big shot, finding the fielder in the deep on the leg-side.
Despite Marsh’s resilient effort, he fell to Mir Hamza, who induced a false shot, resulting in a catch to Aamer Jamal at deep backward point. The Australian innings concluded at 318, with Pakistan’s pacers displaying aggression and effectiveness. Notably, Pakistan conceded 52 runs in extras, highlighting lapses in line and discipline, including 20 byes, 15 leg byes, 10 wides, and 2 no-balls.
The session concluded with Mir Hamza taking the seventh catch, wrapping up a spirited performance from the Pakistani side. As the teams switch roles, with Pakistan set to bat, the momentum and energy generated by their disciplined bowling and fielding display could potentially set the tone for the remainder of the Test match. The stage is set for an intriguing battle between the bat and ball, as both teams look to make their mark at the iconic MCG.
Brief Scores:Australia 318 (Marnus Labuschagne 63, Mitchell Marsh 41; Aamer Jamal 3-64, Mir Hamza 2-51, Hasan Ali 2-61, Shaheen Afridi 2-85) vs Pakistan